What is the meaning of Psalm 119:167?

I obey

• The psalmist speaks in the first person, showing personal responsibility; obedience is not delegated (Psalm 119:60).

• Obedience is active: “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22).

• It springs from faith, not mere ritual—Abraham “obeyed and went” (Hebrews 11:8).

• Obedience is proof of devotion: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15).

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Your testimonies

• “Testimonies” highlights God’s revealed, trustworthy witness about Himself (Psalm 19:7).

• They include commands, promises, warnings—everything God has made known (Deuteronomy 6:17).

• Because Scripture is perfect, the believer treats each word as authoritative (2 Timothy 3:16).

• The personal pronoun “Your” reminds us the Bible is God-breathed, not human opinion (2 Peter 1:21).

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And love

• Obedience without love drifts into legalism; love fuels heartfelt surrender (1 John 5:3).

• Love for God’s word is love for God Himself: “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart” (Deuteronomy 6:5; Mark 12:30).

• Love deepens with exposure—regular reading fans affection into flame (Jeremiah 15:16).

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Them greatly

• “Greatly” raises the bar from casual respect to passionate delight (Psalm 119:97).

• Overflowing love brings joy: “I delight in Your commandments, because I love them” (Psalm 119:47).

• Such love endures pressure; even when persecuted, the psalmist clings to God’s word (Psalm 119:161).

• Valuing Scripture above all else mirrors Paul’s cry: “I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ” (Philippians 3:8).

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summary

Psalm 119:167 portrays a believer who personally, actively, and lovingly obeys God’s flawless testimonies, valuing them above every competing claim. Great love fuels wholehearted obedience, and wholehearted obedience in turn magnifies that love—a cycle of devotion God desires for every disciple.